A horrific event unfolded in Washington City, Utah, where a mother was found dead in a vacation rental under mysterious and disturbing circumstances. Andreea Mottram, 47, tragically lost her life on March 23, 2025. Her death has led to the arrest of two teenagers, Mihaela “Bella” Gabriela Sorescu, 16, and Abigael “Jay” Paige Flanagan, 17. Both teens are now facing adult murder charges under Utah law, along with additional charges of obstruction of justice and motor vehicle theft.
This case has shocked not only the local community but also the wider public, raising serious questions about the relationship between the victim and the alleged perpetrators. The case began as a typical family visit, but the events soon turned into a nightmare.
The Discovery of Mottram’s Body
Cleaning staff arrived at the vacation rental unit on March 23, expecting to clean it for the next guests. Instead, they were met with an unspeakable horror. The body of Andreea Mottram was discovered inside the unit, prompting an immediate call to law enforcement.
When police arrived on the scene, they found Mottram’s body in a gruesome state. She had been brutally stabbed 14 times, and there were no signs of forced entry into the rental unit. This detail suggested that the killer or killers were familiar to Mottram and may have been invited into the home.
The deputy medical examiner later confirmed that Mottram had died roughly 24 hours before her body was discovered, which placed the time of death around March 22, 2025. The investigation into the murder quickly became a race against time to uncover what had transpired during the hours leading up to Mottram’s death.
A Mother’s Visit to Her Daughter
Mottram had traveled to Washington City with her daughter, Mihaela “Bella” Gabriela Sorescu, and Sorescu’s friend, Abigael “Jay” Paige Flanagan. Sorescu had been enrolled in a residential treatment facility in the area, and her mother had come to visit. What should have been a peaceful visit turned tragic when Mottram was found dead in the unit where she was staying.
Soarescu, 16, had been living in residential care for three years due to behavioral issues. Flanagan, also a teenager, had been in a treatment facility for at least a year before being recently taken out by her family. The two teenagers, now accused of Mottram’s murder, were reportedly close to Sorescu and had accompanied her mother on this visit.
Investigation and Evidence Found at the Scene
Upon further investigation, police found disturbing evidence that pointed to the two teenagers. Among the items discovered in the bathroom were Mottram’s cell phone and purse, which contained her ID. Both had been thrown into the toilet, an apparent attempt to destroy evidence and delay authorities from tracing the items back to the victims. This was just the beginning of what would become a troubling investigation.
Several knives were found at the scene, one of which had been washed in the sink but still contained trace amounts of blood. A crumpled pair of bloodstained pants was also discovered in another bathroom. When the pants were unfurled, they revealed what appeared to be a bloody imprint of a knife blade. The discovery of this evidence led investigators to believe that the teens might have been involved in the murder and were attempting to cover their tracks.
Adding to the mystery, Mottram’s rented car, which she had picked up in Las Vegas just days before her death, was tracked 400 miles away from the crime scene in Paramount, California. This discovery was made on March 23, just one day after Mottram’s body was found. The car’s location was flagged by an automated license plate reader, raising more questions about the events leading up to her murder.
The Diary and Troubling Details
As the investigation continued, authorities uncovered more troubling details about Sorescu’s history. A person named Frank, who was familiar with Sorescu, found a diary that she had written in November 2024. In the diary, Sorescu had openly written about her intense hatred for her mother, even stating that she wanted to kill her.
Frank also stated that Sorescu had a history of violent behavior and had previously expressed thoughts of self-harm. This raised serious concerns about the mental and emotional state of Sorescu, as well as her relationship with her mother. The diary entry was a chilling piece of evidence that suggested the possibility of premeditated murder.
While there was no direct confirmation that Sorescu was the one who killed her mother, the diary entry gave investigators reasonable suspicion that she may have played a significant role in the tragic events. Given Sorescu’s violent tendencies and the strained relationship with her mother, it became apparent that Mottram’s death was not an accident but rather a result of a violent altercation.
The Arrests of Sorescu and Flanagan
After piecing together the evidence, police arrested both Sorescu and Flanagan. They were charged with the murder of Andreea Mottram and obstruction of justice. Additionally, the teens are facing charges related to the theft of a motor vehicle. The authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mottram’s death, but the evidence so far paints a clear picture of a brutal murder with an attempt to conceal it afterward.
Both teenagers have been detained at the Dixie Area Detention Center, where they await further legal proceedings. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, as many are struggling to understand how two young people could be involved in such a brutal crime.
The Legacy of Andreea Mottram
Mottram’s tragic death has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew her. She was a well-respected advocate for human rights and a co-founder of the American Romanian Coalition for Human and Equal Rights (Archer). Her colleagues and friends have expressed profound sadness at her loss, remembering her as a strong, kind, and dedicated woman who cared deeply for others.
In a statement on Facebook, Archer said, “Andreea’s generosity of spirit was boundless. To many of us, she was a mentor, a friend, and a source of strength in difficult times. Her wisdom, especially when it came to motherhood and advocacy, left an indelible mark. Her words and actions have shaped lives, and her legacy will continue through the work we do every day.”
Mottram’s impact on human rights and her advocacy work will not be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. Despite the devastating circumstances surrounding her death, her friends and colleagues remain committed to continuing the important work that she began.
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